Microlancet-assisted internal urethrotomy with stent placement for feline pelvic urethral stricture: a case report

Background Intrapelvic urethral strictures in male cats are challenging to manage. Standard perineal urethrostomy cannot address lesions within the pelvic canal, and alternative open surgical techniques carry high morbidity. Case description A 5-year-old intact male domestic shorthair cat with concurrent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease presented with a 7-day history of stranguria. Diagnostic imaging revealed a focal 1-mm stricture in the post-prostatic urethra. Procedure Under fluoroscopic guidance, retrograde internal urethrotomy was performed using a 1.3 × 130 mm urethral microlancet via a dorsal approach. A self-expanding laser-cut nitinol stent (5.0 mm × 50 mm) was deployed across the stricture. A double-lumen balloon catheter was placed through the stent for 14 days to promote mucosal integration and prevent migration. Results The procedure was completed in 30 min with no complications. Urethral patency was immediately restored. Follow-up cystoscopy at 7 and 14 days demonstrated progressive epithelial ingrowth and near-complete encapsulation of the stent without restenosis. The cat regained normal urination. Conclusion This report describes the first successful use of microlancet internal urethrotomy combined with nitinol stenting for an intrapelvic urethral stricture in a cat. The technique offers a promising minimally invasive alternative to conventional urethrostomy in high-risk cases.